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Essex Migrant Deaths: charge of human trafficking against NI man withdrawn, court hears
Summary
The Court of Appeal heard that UK authorities have withdrawn a human trafficking charge against Eamon Ronald Harrison, a Northern Irishman facing extradition for 39 counts of manslaughter and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. Harrison, who is challenging his pending extradition, was alleged to have delivered the trailer in which 39 migrants died in Essex. The withdrawal of the trafficking charge will shorten his appeal hearing, scheduled for May 7. In related proceedings, Maurice Robinson, of Craigavon, Co Armagh, admitted 39 counts of manslaughter at the Old Bailey. He had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and acquiring criminal property, specifically cash, while denying a further charge of transferring criminal property. Robinson will be sentenced at a later date. Additionally, Ronan Hughes, of Co Monaghan, appeared before the High Court in Dublin, where he is wanted by UK authorities for 39 counts of manslaughter and one count of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. His extradition hearing is set for May 1, with a provisional bail hearing fixed for April 29. Four other men are scheduled to stand trial at the Old Bailey on October 5 in connection with the investigation.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Essex Migrant Deaths: charge of human trafficking against NI man withdrawn, court hears. Charges or matters: conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and acquiring criminal property – namely cash. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- May 7 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 23 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 10th Hearing Or Sentence
- October 17th Hearing Or Sentence
- 23rd October Other
- October 2019 Other
- 9th May Incident
- May 1 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 29 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 5 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-04-24 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and acquiring criminal property – namely cash (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He will be sentenced at a later date.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- The High Court
- High Court
Topics
Related court reports
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- Essex Migrant Deaths: High Court orders extradition of alleged Irish 'ringleader'
- Essex migrant deaths: territorial issue a 'red herring', State says
- Essex Migrant Deaths: warrant for NI man 'wholly unsatisfactory', court told
- Alleged 'ringleader' behind Essex migrant deaths is refused bail
- Monaghan man alleged to be 'chief organiser' behind Essex migrant deaths
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